Pricing
How pricing works
You pay the assigned engineering firm directly for the engineering work, only when you need it — PE Screening or a Full Engineering Letter, priced by complexity. The $10/month platform subscription is sold separately to realtors and builders, not homeowners.
Platform Access is for realtors and builders
The $10/month platform subscription is sold only to realtors and builders — $10 per month with a 12-month minimum ($120 if billed monthly, or $100 if paid a year up front — two months free). Canceling after one case does not end the year; the 12-month commitment continues. Homeowners do not see or buy this subscription; homeowners pay the assigned engineering firm directly for PE Screening and Full Engineering Letters, only when engineering work is needed. See the per-case fees below.
Step 2 — per-case fees
These dollar amounts are typical estimates, not quotes. Structural evaluations in this market generally run $300 to $1,500, and the actual price depends on complexity and time — a simple letter is not the same job as a multi-issue evaluation with load calculations. The licensed engineering firm handling your project sets the price and bills you for the engineering work. Instant Engineer does not price or bill engineering services.
A licensed engineer reviews your submitted evidence and tells you: what was reviewed, what information is still missing, whether a site visit is necessary, what service the situation actually calls for, and a scoped price if a full letter is warranted. Often this is all you need to make a decision.
Engineer-defined scope: site visit if required, calculations where needed, repair recommendations, and a signed letter or report — sealed if the engineer determines a seal is appropriate. Estimate only — priced and billed by the engineering firm.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Site visit | $300–$1,200 + travel |
| Rush, site visit cases | +$400 |
How payment works
An intake fee starts the work
You pay the assigned engineering firm directly for the engineering work. An intake fee is due when you submit a case, before the engineer begins review — engineering time is real work and we don’t ask an engineer to do it on spec. If we decline your case or can’t serve your area, that fee is refunded.
The agent doesn’t have to be the one who pays
An agent can start a case and follow it through; the payment link goes to whoever is responsible for the cost — the buyer, the seller, or the homeowner. The agent keeps full visibility either way.
You approve the quote first
The quote for a full engineering letter comes after the engineer has scoped it. You approve it before any further work happens.
You may see two charges
One from Instant Engineer for platform and coordination services, and one from the engineering firm for the engineering work. That’s deliberate — you’re hiring a licensed firm, and they bill you directly for their professional services.